MasterTruth

Follow the Best Heart

Perhaps the most common piece of advice given to young people when they are on the edge of choosing a job or career is to follow their heart—meaning, “What do you want and feel like doing? Do that.”

I believe that advice misses the mark for believers. Its outcome is highlighted in Ecclesiastes. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. (Ecc.11:9)

Does part B of that verse seem a little like cold water thrown on “follow your heart?” Consider the idea of living with eternity in mind. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb. 9:27)

Yes, that also pours cold water on contemporary youthful thinking. But let’s continue looking at the voice of spiritual reason. While He made each of us with certain abilities and aptitudes, let’s remember that as believers, He didn’t give us those for our personal fulfillment. They are for His glory. He has gifted us for the edifying of all. God is our creator and in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

We all have the free choice to follow our heart, but let’s remember that when we face God at the end of our lives, the evaluation will not be made on how closely we followed our heart. In fact, His opinion of our heart isn’t positive. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9)

Knowing that I’m going to face God, and knowing what He thinks of this idea of following my heart, it begs the question, what should I follow instead? What should I tell young people as they are making life decisions?

Here’s an idea. Let’s look at ourselves as God does. We are sheep in need of guidance. Fortunately, He is a shepherd. And not just any shepherd. The Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He cares what we do. In fact, He has a master plan for where we need to be. He says, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27) Read John 10. The whole chapter is about this.

Wouldn’t it be radical if we told young people trying to decide what to do with their lives to seek the Shepherd’s heart for what He wants? That’s what’s going to matter at the end of our lives—how well we fulfilled that. Be the voice to young people that leads them to these higher realms. Here are some words of advice to offer:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

Pray with young people for God’s wisdom and discernment for them. Counsel them to seek God’s heart. Tell them that the end of their life matters, so start working on it now.

Jody

The Low Bar of Authenticity

If there is one character quality that is held above all in Christendom today, it’s “being authentic.” It’s the ultimate achievement conveyed by some pastors, Sunday school teachers and small-group leaders. The world, it is believed, is looking for authentic believers.

On the surface, that sounds OK. But in what context are folks revered to be authentic? I’ll tell you. It’s when they express fear, weakness and doubt. That’s when others in the group sigh in wonder at the authenticity expressed that they may have been afraid to share themselves. Because, after all, everyone relates to fear, weakness and doubt. Once someone in the group goes there, everyone relaxes. They aren’t alone.

To me, that sounds like a group doing an 880-yard run, and someone feels tired and stops at the 250-yard marker. Everyone else joins that person, and they all sit down on the track and discuss how difficult it is go 880 yards.

What is wrong with this picture? Being authentic is hardly a worthy aspiration for followers of Christ. What if Jesus had decided to “be authentic” and sit out that whole dying on the cross thing? After all, it was uncomfortable, stressful, painful and totally unfair.

Being authentic is code for being in the flesh. And they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:8) Being authentic is saying, “This race is hard. I can’t finish.” And in an authentic-focused group, everyone else confesses that they can’t finish either, and a discussion of the difficulty follows.

Here’s the better scenario. Someone in the group sees the finish line, is in spiritual shape and can encourage the others to get up and keep going based on the strength of the Spirit and faith in the promises of God.

That goal of authenticity stops short of the ultimate goal. In an authentic-focused group, a spiritually victorious person will likely be spurned, because others prefer to live in their authentic mire and not have to listen to someone who thinks they have the answers.

We do actually have answers, you know? If you are that person in the group who isn’t struggling because you’ve learned how to walk with God and you are headed for the finish line, don’t be discouraged. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. (Heb. 12:1b) Let God use you to get others back up on their feet and headed in the right direction.

You will face those who don’t want to hear Bible answers. It’s just the time we’re living in. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2Tim 4:3)

If you’re one of those authentic-focused itching-ears kind of people, it’s not too late to wake up from your spiritual stupor and ask God to put a spiritual mentor in your life.

Here is a goal to aspire to: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1 Cor. 16:13) Find a group or an individual who can help get you there.

Tell me what you think.

Jody